Swine Sector Looses Two Pillars

This past December, the swine sector lost two very important men. George Foxcroft on Dec. 6, and Howard Fredeen on Dec. 27. 
Both men were instrumental in the swine sector in Alberta, as researchers and industry leaders.
Another common thread between the two gentlemen was their involvement with Banff Pork Seminar. Howard was one of the originators and made many presentations in the early years on genetic improvement and pork quality, just to name a few. Of course George, whose goal was always to bring research to reality, also presented many times and played a large role in the development of BPS. As stated at his memorial service by Jennifer Patterson, one of his former grad students, she referred to how many of his colleagues remembered him and his research, “… the thought provoking teachings he so passionately communicated.”  
In 2013 the George R. Foxcroft Lectureship in Swine Production was created to host conference presenters who are conducting high-profile research applicable to pork production to improve efficiency. 
Prairie Hog Country joins all those in the sector who have benefitted by their significant contributions to our industry and wish their families our deepest condolences. They both will be missed. •

Topigs Norsvin Hand Out Awards
Winnipeg, Manitoba and Stratford, Ontario are the two locations where Topigs Norsvin says a special “Thank-you” at annual Customer Appreciation & Awards Dinners. Unfortunately like last year, due to COVID-19 this year, they were not able to meet in person and celebrate the successes with all their customers.
The summary of the 2021 production award winners and runner-up winners are listed by category.
Herds <500 sows Farrowing Rate: Valley Lea Farms (MB) 94.36% Runner-up New Haven North (MB) 91.98% Pigs Born Alive/litter: Winner Springfield Hog Farm (MB) 15.46 Runner-up Keho Lake Colony (AB) 15.36 Pigs Weaned/Sow/Year: Winner Cool Spring Colony (MB) 33.11 Runner-up Roseglen Colony (MB) 32.50 Herds 501-1200 sows Farrowing Rate: Winner Evergreen Colony (MB) 95.4% Runner-up Sturgeon Creek Colony (MB) 92.7% Pigs Born Alive/litter: Winner Evergreen Colony (MB) 16.03 Runner-up Trileaf Colony (MB) 15.85 Pigs Weaned/Sow/Year: Winner Evergreen Colony (MB) 34.05 Runner-up Sturgeon Creek Colony (MB) 32.61 Herds >1200 sows
Farrowing Rate: Winner Silver Pine Site 1 (MB) 93.4%
Runner-up Sunnybrook Swine Site 2 (MB) 93.1%
Pigs Born Alive/litter: Winner Stanley Pork Ltd. (MB) 15.57
Runner-up Moline Pork Ltd. (MB) 14.68
Pigs Weaned/Sow/Year: Winner Stanley Pork Ltd (MB) 31.11
Runner-up Porcherie Gauthier Ltee 1A (MB) 30.74
In addition each year they present an award for the best new start up herd. Winner for Western Canada was Moline Pork Ltd. a 1,100 sow pure Z-line multiplier in Manitoba. Average Parity 1.21; Born Alive/Litter 14.68; Weaner/Litter 12.60; Weaned/Mated Female/Year 28.89.
In previous yeas awards have been presented to herds achieving 28.0 or more pigs weaned/mated female/year and enter the 28+ Club.
The 28+ Club Award was presented to 62 farms (East & West combined) with a total of 74, 484 sows. The average result from the winners in this years 28+ Club was 29.75 pigs weaned/mated female/year.
Congratulations to all the winners. •

Envirotech Expands Team

Brent Taylor joined Envirotech Ag Systems in January as territory salesperson for Alberta and Montana
Brent has been 38 plus years in swine production and management, indoor, outdoor, high welfare, ESF in the UK. Moved to Alberta in 2009 to manage large isowean barns until 2018. In the last few years he has done some genetic sales and service, consultancy and contract management. An advocate for welfare and responsible production. Occasional wood artist, welder and fabricator. He currently lives in Drumheller AB with his artist partner in life, Vicki.
Envirotech Ag Systems is a Manitoba and US based equipment and building solutions provider for poultry and livestock producers, offering full service, from planning and drafting, for renovations and new builds, supplying all equipment and installation. •